TMS: Using the Theta-Burst Protocol to Explore Mechanism of Plasticity in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome and Autism

The overall goal of this procedure is to explore cortical motor plasticity and how it relates to typical and atypical neural development using non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation. This is accomplished by first locating the subject's M1 motor hotspot for the first dorsal interros muscle and determining both resting and active motor threshold. The second step of the procedure is to obtain baseline corticospinal excitability.

The third step of the procedure is to apply theta burst stimulation. The final step of the procedure is to evaluate resultant corticospinal excitability. Ultimately, results can be obtained that show differences in the effects of theta birth stimulation on corticospinal excitability in subjects with neurodevelopmental disorders, through the variation between baseline and post stimulation excitability.